Go now Nepal: 9 incredible journeys into the heart of the Himalaya

Amazing wildlife. Colourful temples and monasteries. Breathtaking Himlayan treks to suit everyone. Nepal is ready again to reveal its most magical corners...

1: Take the high path to Kala Pattar

Mount Everest viewed from Kala Pattar (Dreamstime)

Trek to Everest Base Camp and ascend Kala Pattar in true expedition style on this carefully devised trek with World Expeditions.

Accompanied by experienced guides and porters, you’ll trek through the famous villages of Namche and Khumjung, as well as Tengboche monastery, immersing yourself in Sherpa culture. All nights are spent in exclusive eco-friendly campsites and lodges, and plenty of time is allowed for safe acclimatisation – the key to any successful trek in the Everest region.

After reaching Everest Base Camp, you’ll ascend Kala Pattar (5,545m) from where your guides will point out the classic climbing routes to the summit of Everest.

2: Encounter Nepal’s unique wildlife

Bengal tiger crossing a river in Nepal (Dreamstime)

Spend two weeks spotting some of the rarest wildlife on the planet in Nepal’s Terai region with Wildlife Worldwide.

Running along Nepal’s southern border with India, the low-lying Terai region boasts three national parks (including Chitwan and Bardia) and is regarded by many as the best place to see wildlife and birdlife on the entire subcontinent. Expect to encounter tigers, one-horned rhinos and elephants, as well as plenty of deer and the elusive Ganges river dolphins. Are birds more your thing? This is birdwatching heaven.

3: Enjoy the view from Gokyo

The view from Gokyo Lake (Dreamstime)

Head deep into the heart of the Sherpa homeland on this circular Everest Base Camp trek from Namche Bazaar to the Gokyo Valley with Exodus.

It’s a trek that will see you crossing the glaciated Cho La Pass and on to the classic route to Everest Base Camp, which has been used by all the great climbing parties. Ample time for acclimatisation is scheduled, meaning you can explore this high mountain wilderness more easily and comfortably, enjoying close-up views of Mount Everest from the Base Camp on the Khumbu Glacier.

4: Experience timeless Nepal

Man in Durbar Square, Kathmandu (Dreamstime)

Experience Nepal's stunning natural beauty and extraordinary culture from all angles on this 12-day adventure through the country with Peregrine.

Your journey begins in Kathmandu, soaking up the capital’s chaotic blend of colour, noise and culture, before heading to Pokhara – a city surrounded by awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks. You’ll explore the rural beauty around the hilltop village of Tansen, find spirituality in Lumbini, the birth place of Buddha, before heading to Chitwan National Park in search of big game. Finally, a breathtaking Everest flight gives you the chance to view the mighty mountain up-close.

5: Trek the high passes to Everest Base Camp

Mount Everest Base Camp (Dreamstime)

Take the high passes to Everest Base Camp on the ultimate trek Himalayan trek with Exodus.

Starting from the famous Khumbu Valley, home of the Sherpas, you’ll acclimatise before following the trail taken by many of the great Everest climbers. It’s a trek that will take you through some of the most incredible passes and summits in the Himalayas, past glacial lakes and through quiet valleys, rewarding you with extraordinary views of the highest mountains in the world at every turn.

With most of the walking above 3,600m this trek is not for novices. But if you are fit and have trekked at altitude before, this could be the Himalayan adventure you’ve been looking for.

6: Try something new, try Makalu

A yak at Makalu Base Camp (Dreamstime)

Looking for new Himalayan adventures? Why not try this new trek to Makalu Base Camp with Evaneos?

Makalu is the world’s fifth highest mountain, and the area around it was recently designated a National Park. Sitting at 5,250m, Makalu Base Camp is surrounded by exquisite landscapes and an abundance of wildlife. During your 18-day trek you'll venture deep into the Himalayas, past waterfalls, craggy rocks and colourful flowers beneath white snowy peaks. The local villages rarely see visitors, and the mountains here are home to species of animal you won't find anywhere else in Nepal.

7: Live like a local in rural Nepal

Local market in Nepal (Dreamstime)

Stay in the farming village of Panauti and experience Nepalese life first-hand on this ‘Local Living’ tour of rural Nepal with G Adventures.

There’s no better way to get to know a country than by immersing yourself in the heart of it, and your stay in Panauti will allow you to do just that. During your stay you’ll learn all about Nepalese customs and traditions, hearing stories that only locals can tell. After working up an appetite on hikes through the beautiful countryside, you’ll pick up ingredients from nearby markets and enjoy Nepalese cooking lessons from your homestay hosts.

8: Discover Nepal in a nutshell

Sadhus in Nepal (Dreamstime)

Experience everything that Nepal has to offer on this action-packed adventure with Audley.

Your itinerary includes the cultural attractions of the Kathmandu Valley, the beauty of the Himalayan mountain range around Pokhara, and the unique flora and fauna of Chitwan National park. You’ll explore village life by following century-old trails into the mountains, search for rhinos and tigers in Chitwan, and visit the medieval town of Bandipur. This is Nepal in a nutshell.

Linking together a maze of remote dirt roads and village paths between Pokhara and Kathmandu, this brilliant ride offers stunning scenery and great cycling conditions. After biking Pokhara's classic routes, including the Kali Horseshoe, you’ll ride eastwards via the Marsyangdi River and the ridge-top town of Gorkha. Avoiding the main Pokhara to Kathmandu road, you’ll instead follow a route alongside Ankhu Khola, one of the main tributaries of the Budhi Gandaki River, before hitting Trishuli Bazaar and a testing mile-high climb to the Kathmandu Valley rim.

The final afternoon's ride is a downhill blast back to bustling Kathmandu, where you’ll celebrate in style.